Yucca glauca

Yucca glauca Nutt.

Soapweed yucca, Narrowleaf yucca, Plains yucca, Beargrass

Synonym(s):

A 3-4 ft. wide clump of pale-green, dagger-like leaves subtends the 4 1/2 ft. flowering stalk of this yucca. The 20-30 in. long leaves are evergreen, persisting for several years. Bell-shaped, greenish-white, pendulous flowers are followed by woody, oblong, cream-colored seed capsules.

Soapweed Yucca is a member of the agave family (family Agavaceae). Agaves are stout plants with woody stems or stem-bases, often tall, even tree-like, the long and narrow leaves crowded in rosettes at ends of stems or branches, a stout rapidly growing flower stalk arising from the rosette. Members of this family are from tropical or warm regions, often where it is arid. There are about 20 genera and 700 species, many of which supply valuable fiber, such as sisal hemp.

Growing Conditions

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Plants provide food and nesting for small mammals, birds and reptiles. Use Medicinal: Pulverized roots mixed with tepid water drunk for stomachache. (Kindscher)
Amerindians used poulticed root on inflammations and to stop bleeding, also in steam bath for sprains. Leaf juice as poison for arrows and in fishing. (Foster & Duke)
Roots of plant pounded and mixed with water to make shampoo for dandruff and minor skin irritations. Lotion of soapy juice from root used on rash of poison ivy.(Weiner)
Use Other: Root used to make soap. Soak hair in root solution to kill lice; also to prevent loss of hair. (Kindscher)
Hair wash for dandruff and baldness. (Foster & Duke) Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Butterflies Larval Host: Yucca Moth

Value to Beneficial Insects

Propagation

Description: Yuccas will germinate promptly from fresh seed held over winter. Seeds germinate best in 60-70 degree temperatures. Yuccas may also be grown from rhizomes, stem cuttings, or by digging offsets from the side of established plants. Transplant into a well Seed Collection: Seeds are not produced every year; pollination being dependent on the Pronuba moth. Gather capsules as they begin to dry but before they split. Allow to dry, then crush to remove seeds. Overwinter, keep seeds in moist sand in the refrigerator. For longer storage periods, keep in sealed, refrigerated containers. Seed Treatment: Stratification increases germination rate only slightly. Commercially Avail: yes